8/3/14 (Sun) LOOKING AT OURSELVES FIRST (1) Psalm 139:1-4, 23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart. Psalm 139:23 Many of us know we should examine ourselves first in the face of conflict. But very few of us do that. When we find ourselves embroiled in a conflict, we should first ask ourselves, Am I at fault here? This is hard for us, especially because in most conflicts we feel pretty strongly that we are right. And we figure that should also be obvious to everyone else. But in conflict, as wise people know, the fault is rarely completely one-sided. So if today you find yourself thinking angry, condemning thoughts about someone who has done something to you, you may need to take firm steps to deal with that person. But take care also to look honestly at your own behavior and feelings. Before you act , ask yourself, What if Im not seeing the whole picture? What if, in fact, something in me is also at fault here? The good news is that God knows us far better than we know ourselves. God knows all [our] ways. Nothing is hidden from Gods ultrasound, CAT-scan eyes. Even better news is that God, by his Spirit, is actually able to show us what he sees, to peel away our layers of self-deception, and to give us 20/20 vision into our heart of hearts. Would it not be wise , first, to humbly ask God to show us ourselves accurately, lest we end up, too late, profoundly at fault as well? Prayer O God, show me my true heart. Test me deeply. Reveal whatever flaws I may have, so that I may manage my conflicts conscientiously and humbly. For the sake of Jesus, Amen. chinesetodays.org/?d=8/3/2014
Posted on: Sat, 02 Aug 2014 22:35:09 +0000
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